International Development Program (IDP)


The International Development Program (IDP) offers two 2-year MA degrees, one in International Development (ID), the other in Economics (ECO). The IDP students are required to complete coursework (at least 40 credits) and write either a thesis or research report using a quantitative approach.

The development track offers various development-related courses in economics, regional science, and related fields. Students learn how to evaluate current policies and design more effective policies to encourage economic growth and social development for developing countries. The economics track emphasizes modern economic theories and their applications. Students learn applied macroeconomics comprising fiscal policy and international finance as well as empirical microeconomics including labor, health, and environmental issues to understand and analyze current issues.

Both degree tracks will equip students with advanced knowledge and skills necessary to tackle and overcome the problems they face as leaders in both public and private sectors.

Macroeconomic Policy Programs for IMF

Policy Relevance


Our program provides rigorous training in economics and quantitative analysis. Additionally, we offer many courses which are directly policy relevant.

Frontier Knowledge


Our faculty have published in leading journals in economics such as: The American Economic Review, Journal of Economic Theory, European Economic Review, among others. We teach our students frontier economics.

Proven Track Record


The IDP program at IUJ is well-known for providing rigorous training. Our students have obtained high level positions in the public and private sectors.

Analyzing complex issues

International experience I gained at IUJ still continues to support my current role as a diplomat, working on bilateral issues between Japan and Vietnam. The IUJ IDP prepared me well to understand global economic issues and enhance my communication skills in a global setting. This is an extremely valuable opportunity that can’ t be replicated elsewhere.

Akihiko Nakano, (GSIR-IDP 2009)
Assitant Director, First Southeast Asia Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Data driven research

IDP is the hardest but most rewarding program. I am fascinated with the curriculum, which teaches different theoretical frameworks from macroeconomics to microeconomics and links them to econometric models to analyze various socio-economics issues in today’s world in a scientific and logical way of thinking. I have learned that the strong analytical skills obtained from the program and the insights into critical issues in society they teach have not only reinforced my academic knowledge but also my professional career in an international organization.
With its moderately difficult courses and highly qualified faculty members using flexible teaching methods, the IDP is an incredible choice to become a non-zero beginner in economics.

Nguyen Thi Thu Nghia, (GSIR-IDP 2021)

Hands on learning

Knowledge, networks, and confidence create your international career.

My job includes creating infrastructure development programs in developing countries and proposing their implementation to the Japanese Government and international organizations. I made many international friends through IUJ’s campus life. Now I have major government networks in Asia and Africa, and I consult them to contribute to infrastructure development in those countries. In IUJ, I interacted with many English speakers from different countries, which gave me confidence to close better business deals with international clients. The knowledge, networks and confidence obtained at IUJ enable me to realize international projects to bridge Japan with my classmate’s countries.

Katsutoshi Unetsubo, (GSIR-IDP 2015)
Assistant Manager, Overseas Projects Department, Nippon Engineering Consultants Co., LTD


Robert F. Kane

Associate Professor and Program Director of IDP

Program Director’s Message


The International Development Program at IUJ provides rigorous training in economics and quantitative methods. This allows students to analyze the complex issues facing developing countries in a systematic way.

Students learn how to address pressing policy related issues using state of the art economics and analytical methods. In addition to theoretical knowledge, students also learn how to solve practical issues facing analysts, practitioners, managers, and policymakers. This allows our graduates to aid policymaking—at multiple levels—in the developing world.

Core


Our core courses focus on key foundational knowledge in economics and statistics. Our first year courses provide students with the knowledge required to interpret economic data and read many academic journal articles.

Elective


Our elective courses cover a wide variety of economics. Students can take courses that are directly relevant to their intellectual interests and their careers.

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